I am gravely concerned with the unchecked, rampant development taking place for the proposed Diepsloot Industrial Development. This project is a partnership between Gauteng and Century Properties, utilising public funds, on a large portion of open space with many wetlands and sensitive areas.
How is it possible that with all of the planning that has taken place at a provincial and municipal level, a developer enters into a partnership with Gauteng Province and starts construction with the intention of building a light industrial park which is not supported by current Spatial Development Framework (SDF), the guiding policy for development in the city?
How is it possible that there are wetlands and grasslands being blasted and graded for a massive road and infrastructure while, as we understand, there are outstanding queries from the City of Joburg environmental department? Who has given permission for this construction to commence?
As concerned residents we have submitted objections to the change of the SDF and have not had a response from city departments.
The Environmental Impact Assessment was amended in January when approval was granted one working day after it was submitted. The project was announced by Premier Nomvula Mokonyane a few days later in her State of the Province address despite the fact that the project was not supported by city council policies.
We are not aware of any ‘needs’ studies for industrial development in the area and concerns have been raised about a large industrial park attracting more people to an area with a housing shortage.
There are organisations in Diepsloot working to create jobs and develop small businesses. Why are they not being utilised and consulted for this project? Assisting the community involves working with existing community structures. Consultation takes longer, however it is the only means to good relations and sustainable projects.
Jobs and economic development will mean nothing if we have destroyed our water resources and all of our open space. Wouldn’t money be better spent to improve infrastructure to alleviate the current difficulties in Diepsloot? Why don’t we poll Diepsloot residents to find out how many are employed and how far they travel to work to better understand housing needs?
I urge you to intervene and take back the reigns to guide Gauteng. The road to a sustainable future can only be travelled with responsible participants and active citizens.
